ARLINGTON, TX — The Dallas Cowboys finally received the kind of news they’ve been waiting for all season. Defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey — the high-energy, fan-favorite lineman who’s been sidelined since August — has officially been cleared to return to practice.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cowboys opened Winfrey’s 21-day practice window, allowing him to rejoin the team and potentially make his 2025 season debut within the next three weeks.
The Comeback Everyone’s Been Waiting For
Winfrey, 25, hasn’t played a single snap this year after suffering a back injury during the final days of training camp. The setback came just as he was emerging as one of the Cowboys’ most impressive preseason performers — a key piece in what was expected to be a revamped defensive front.
Now, after two months on injured reserve, the 6-foot-4 defensive tackle from Oklahoma is officially on track to return, bringing both depth and energy to a defense that desperately needs it.
Dallas’ Defense Needs a Lifeline
It’s no secret that the Cowboys’ defense has struggled this season. Ranked 31st in both scoring and total yards allowed, the once-dominant unit has been gashed repeatedly — especially in the trenches.
But help is coming. Alongside Winfrey, Dallas recently activated the practice windows for linebacker DeMarvion Overshown and rookie cornerback Shavon Revel, signaling a potential turnaround as the team prepares to host the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football.
Winfrey’s Emotional Journey Back
Few players embody perseverance like Perrion Winfrey. Back in August, he thought his NFL dream had ended.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer recalled the emotional moment when Winfrey learned he had made the team instead of being cut.
“He assumed he was being cut,” Schottenheimer said. “He sat down, and when I told him he made the roster, he broke down. We all did. You realize how much these players love this game — what they give up, what they endure.”
That raw emotion has made Winfrey a locker room favorite — and his return could spark exactly the kind of emotional lift Dallas needs.
A Surprise Star Ready to Shine Again
Before his injury, Winfrey had been one of the standout performers of training camp, showing relentless energy and improved technique. Coaches praised his development and maturity, describing him as “hungry” and “laser-focused.”
If he can stay healthy, Winfrey’s presence could immediately strengthen the Cowboys’ interior pass rush and run defense — two areas where Dallas has struggled mightily this season.
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